2025 Fantasy Baseball: Waiver Wire Infielders

Catchers

Luis Campusano, San Diego Padres

An upgrade at the second catcher spot (C2) is available for the third consecutive week. Campusano, a player I've followed for several seasons, has struggled to secure a consistent role in San Diego’s lineup. Recalled this weekend, he went 0-for-2 with a walk in his 2025 debut. At AAA, he hit .322 over 25 games (87 at-bats), with 21 runs, six home runs, 17 RBIs, and one steal, showing a strong approach (20 walks, 15 strikeouts). In the majors, over 488 at-bats across three seasons, he’s posted a .260 average, 68 runs, 16 home runs, and 75 RBIs, with a solid 14.0% strikeout rate.

Compared to Elias Diaz (.207, 8 runs, 2 HR, and 5 RBI in 58 at-bats) and Martin Maldonado, Campusano offers offensive upside but lacks a guaranteed starting role. He’s viable in deep leagues and a watchlist candidate in 12-team, two-catcher formats.

Freddy Fermin, Kansas City Royals

With Salvador Perez day-to-day due to a hip injury, Fermin is poised for increased starts. The Royals may shift Perez to DH temporarily. Fermin has started four of the last five games, hitting 7-for-15 with two runs and one RBI. In 2024, he was a useful C2 in 15-team leagues, batting .271 with 40 runs, 6 home runs, 36 RBIs, and 2 steals over 339 at-bats. He’s a short-term handcuff for Perez in deep formats.

First Basemen

Ty France, Minnesota Twins

France has had two productive fantasy weeks in the past month. In Week 4, he went 11-for-25 with six runs, two home runs, and six RBIs, though he slumped immediately after (1-for-20 with 2 RBIs). Week 5 brought 4 runs and 5 RBIs, followed by a strong 9-for-24 showing with three runs, one home run, and four RBIs. His bat is on pace for .264, 68 runs, 14 home runs, and 86 RBIs over 550 at-bats. France lacks power and offers no speed. He’s stronger against right-handers (.277, 12 runs, 3 HR, 17 RBI in 112 at-bats), and Minnesota faces 11 righties in their next 12 games.

Jac Caglianone, Kansas City Royals

The Royals tested Caglianone in the outfield to ease his path to the majors. Over his last 13 games at AA, he hit 20-for-48 with 10 runs, two home runs, 12 RBIs, one steal, eight walks, and 11 strikeouts. His college stats (.368, 157 runs, 68 HR, 8 steals over 530 at-bats) highlight his power potential. Drafted sixth overall in 2024, he could fill gaps in right field or DH, but remains a watchlist player for now.

Second Basemen

Luis Urias, Athletics

Urias recently qualified at second base in leagues requiring 10 games. He’s hit in eight of his last 10 starts, posting a .258 average with six runs, three home runs, and six RBIs, backed by 10 walks and eight strikeouts. In 2021, he hit .249 with 77 runs, 23 home runs, 75 RBIs, and five steals over 490 at-bats, showing middle-infield upside. With Zack Gelof nearing a return from a hamate injury, Urias may shift to third base, where he outshines Gio Urshela (.224, 3 runs, 0 HR, 10 RBI in 85 at-bats). Urias is a sneaky pickup often overlooked due to recent struggles.

David Hamilton, Boston Red Sox

With Triston Casas likely out for the season and Kristian Campbell nursing a rib injury, Hamilton started three straight games, going 4-for-11 with three runs, one RBI, and three steals. Boston’s first-base situation (possibly Rafael Devers) could open DH at-bats. Hamilton’s speed makes him a one-week streaming option, though his role may shrink. Vaughn Grissom (.286, 24 runs, 3 HR, 14 RBI, 1 steal in 112 at-bats) has cooled at AAA, while Roman Anthony (.290, 22 runs, 5 HR, 16 RBI, 2 steals in 100 at-bats) could be called up for his high-ceiling bat.

Third Basemen

Ke’Bryan Hayes, Pittsburgh Pirates

Batting average trends can signal future value, even without power. Hayes hit .314 (16-for-51) over his last 13 games but hasn’t scored or homered. His early profile featured a groundball-heavy swing with speed potential. With ample at-bats, he’s a reliable injury replacement until his production spikes. He ranked 12th at third base in at-bats entering Sunday.

Matt Shaw, Chicago Cubs

Shaw offers buy-and-hold upside at third base. Over the past week, he went 12-for-26 with seven runs, one home run, four RBIs, and two steals, with 10 walks and four strikeouts in 43 at-bats. His speed and balanced approach suggest a near-term call-up. He’s a proactive add for those anticipating free-agent trends.

Shortstops

Javier Baez, Detroit Tigers

After two poor seasons (.208, 83 runs, 15 HR, 96 RBI, and 20 steals in 782 at-bats), Baez has a five-game hitting streak (7-for-20, five runs, three home runs, nine RBIs, one steal), though he sat twice in Detroit’s last seven games. His recent production (10 runs, 3 HR, 14 RBI) is concentrated in one week, making him a risky pickup. His multi-position eligibility (3B, SS, OF) and low cost make him a deep-league flier.

Chase Meidroth, Chicago White Sox

Back from a 10-day IL stint, Meidroth has a three-game hitting streak (4-for-12, four runs, one RBI) batting leadoff. His approach (15 walks and 13 strikeouts in 68 at-bats between AAA and the majors) is strong, and he showed minor-league power (three home runs). He offers batting average stability and modest run potential but lacks speed and power in shallow leagues.